Kalamazoo College Reviews

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Hannah from Portage, MI

07/12/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

10 out of 11 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Kalamazoo College is great for liberal students looking for a cultural education that will bring great academic and social challenges. There are plenty of hippie students that are down to walk around barefoot with clove cigarettes and throw their frisbees but there are also students that fall into the 'jock' category. Essentially there is a niche for any kind of student that comes to Kalamazoo. Despite the niches and cliques most students are really open and friendly to anyone that attends Kalamazoo.

Tips for prospective students

At Kalamazoo College I work hard. I spend a lot of time reading for my classes and it is incredibly important to prepare yourself for the change in work load. When looking for a roommate I went in blind and do not regret my decision at all. It helped me to meet someone from a different area of the country that I wouldn't have otherwise experienced. Get out into the city and try not to stay too closed off and stuck on campus. Western Michigan University is right next door and they can bring in some really interesting activities, lecturers, and events. Kalamazoo, as a city, is incredibly artsy. The first friday of every month there is a collective art show throughout downtown. There are multiple small, local theatres with regional actors but Miller Auditorium brings in larger broadway productions.

Am enjoying being here

I am originally from the West Michigan area and am used to the weather, the people and the city in general. Many times the students attending Kalamazoo College are from areas other than West Michigan and things like the campus size, student body and the city of Kalamazoo can be an adjustment. The campus is incredibly contained and during the winter months students don't stray from their dorms and the student center. We are known for being stuck in The K Bubble. It isn't all bad though, the school does a lot to keep us busy. Every Friday night the Student Activities Committee has a free showing of a popular movie before it is released on DVD. They also have events called Late Night at the Zoo where the student center has popcorn, karaoke, game rooms, board games and other fun things to do.

Am learning a lot

The classes at Kalamazoo College have been anything but typical. The topics are basic but the materials utilized have been stimulating. Novels are commonly used in most Humanities Classes and the professors are all incredibly knowledgeable in their fields. Students are encouraged to participate in their classes and generally discussions are a huge learning tool allowing us to learn from one and another and gain other students insights beyond our own and our professors.

Dion from Brooklyn, NY

08/10/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

9 out of 9 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Kalamazoo College is great for students looking for a close-knit community, with emphasis on social change and academics. Each student at Kalamazoo College has something special about him or her, which is proven through recommendation letters and application essays. If the large-university where you are known as your student number and not your name scares or worries you, then Kalamazoo College is the school for you.

Tips for prospective students

For students looking at Kalamazoo, be warned that this school is for academics. There has been a complaint that the sports is not highlighted at the school as much as other schools, due to the emphasis on academics. If you plan on going professional in sports, this is not the school to attend. Also, as this is a small school, make sure you get your name out into the community and on campus.

Bang for the buck

This question is one of the most important ones on the review. The school itself is quite costly, with tuition and other fees constantly rising from year to year. With a lot of students not being able to afford the tuition, the financial aid office is quite generous with grants and other loans. Even though the college continues to raise its costs, the education it possesses is worth the price tag. When viewing the school's website, there is always a new article about a former student excelling after graduation, getting high-paid positions or making change in a community. With this being said, there is a statistic stating that Kalamazoo College is among the top in the category of students gaining Master's and PhD degrees after graduating. Overall, Kalamazoo is definitely worth the cost and work.

Am enjoying being here

Through speaking with other students and through my own experience, it is shown that Kalamazoo College is a hit-or-miss school. Each of the positives of the school can be seen as a negative, with the small number of students, the lack of Greek life on campus, and the emphasis on academics. However, it has been proven that there is a lot to like about the college. Even though there is a small amount of students, there is a standard-size university close to campus, with all of the parties and Greek life one might ever need.

Am learning a lot

This college is one of the top-notch liberal arts school with a variety of types of classes to take on campus. With the small ratio of student to teacher, it is hard not to learn in class. Also, with the new addition of the curriculum for 2009-2010 students, students are allowed to take what ever they are interested in, without the restrictions of unit requirements. Even though the school is rigorous in terms of academics, there are also opportunities for social change and community advocacy, with the numerous service-learning programs. Along with those previously mentioned opportunities, the school also boasts a study abroad rate of 85%, meaning that 85% of the student body attends a program overseas to learn from another culture. Overall, Kalamazoo College is a 5-star college for academics.

Victor from Monroe, MI

03/29/2010

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

7 out of 7 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Lovers of learning, literature, English, biology (non-engineering), philosophy, etc. If you like safe campuses with their own personal Bigby's coffehouse, and a great tennis team, then you should probably look into K as well

Tips for prospective students

Apply, and apply EARLY, to get the most out of financial aid, such as scholarships and other financial aid at K. I checked one of the freshman halls, and while even the worst room was still pretty decent, you should apply early for K, since rooms are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Engineers, you must know that if you come to K, they can only offer you a 3-2 engineering program, meaning that you will need to attend another school after you end your studies at K Zoo.

Bang for the buck

The tuition I expected from Kalamazoo was actually higher than what it actually was. Unlike other pricy liberal arts schools, K Zoo offers a nice cadre of liberal subjects, several opportunities for interships and externships, and a state-of-the-art study-abrod program, all for about $40000 a year. While this sum could stil be a burden, K Zoo has a good deal of merit- and need-based scholarships for all of those that wish to attend. I was able to get up to $62000 in scholarships for my four years at the college and I'm not exactly a 4.0 student with a 2400 on the SAT. You can obtain help, as long as you put an effort and time into it.

Will enjoy being here

Kalamazoo is a small, clean, friendly city that boasts a newly renovated downtown area, filled with lots of good restaurants (Mexican food over there is the best!) and a brand-new open air shopping mall. While it indeed felt the area a tad lonely, Kalamazoo's been improving its image for some years now, and let's not forget, Kalamazoo has three colleges: Kalamazoo College, Western, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Kalamazoo is really close to Grand Rapids for those who dislike small towns.

Will learn a lot

The school puts a strong emphasis on education that's centered on you, that is liberal arts. English, philosophy, history and biology are just a few of the main subjects to take upon at Kalamazoo. From my visits, I can tell that teachers are readily available, even during those late night hours of anxiety about finals and tomorrow's homework. Lectures halls are small, further strenghtening that bond between teachers and pupils. For the engineers and science majors, you can have a strong pre-engineering education at K Zoo, but you need to be aware that you will need to attend 2 yrs at another, engineering school (K Zoo follows a 3-2 Engineering Program). Lots of classes, not so much people and an awesome study-abroad program make K a great college for those interested in liberal arts and in education overall.

Hanna from Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

07/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Security guards are on campus 24/7. There are telephones all around campus that can be used at any time to call security. Doors can only be opened with a student ID. There has never been a time where I felt unsafe on campus; it's definitely one of K's priorities.

Greek Life

Kalamazoo College does not have Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

There's a club for every interest! Some of my favorites are Sisters in Science (teaching elementary aged girls about biology, chemisty, physics), Cirque du K (circus club!), and the KSPCA (group dedicated to volunteering at animal shelters).

Great for these types of students

Kalamazoo College is great for students who may be a little shy, want a smaller school with a great reputation, are diverse and accepting of all cultures, and want to have a most unique college experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the oldest, most unusual traditions on campus is for students to streak the quad...I'm serious. Everyone has to do it before they graduate!

Bang for the buck

If I had to choose which college to go to again, I would always pick Kalamazoo College. It's a place you want to call home after only being there a few months.

What to do for fun

Those Kalamazoo's campus is small, there is always a ton of things to do, whether is Movie Night on the Quad, Zoo After Dark, meetings for the many different & diverse clubs, listening to speakers, watching Monkapult, going to the gym, or simply having cookies & tea in The Cave. Off campus, there are other things to do, as downtown Kalamazoo is very lively and always fun. Rock climbing at Climb Kalamazoo is always a favorite things of mine to do.

Food and Dining

There is only one cafeteria on campus; Sodexho provides the food. It's pretty good, too. The staff is friendly, the caf is clean, and there is a frozen yogurt machine (dessert is the best!). But for those who want a quick dinner, there is Jazzman's Cafe, which is close to the caf. Jazzman's has great food - wraps, subs, pizza, yogurt parfaits, cookies, soup, salad, fruit. It's similar to a Subway; you watch them make your food & everything is freshly prepared.

Dorm Life

The dorms at K are beautiful, spacious, and clean. People are always gathered in the common areas, either cooking a meal, studying by the fireplaces, or chatting by the windows in rocking chairs.

Academic Rigor

Kalamazoo College is academically challenging, but the classes are interesting. We have 3 10-week quarters per school year, in which you choose 3 classes (plus the odd P.E. class) per quarter. There are help centers for each department, and of course, profs whose doors (and email boxes) are always open.

Tips for prospective students

Be open to new experiences. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Have fun.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is a fantastic environment to learn and explore life. The professors are kind, smart, and always willing to help you do your best, then push you to do better. The students create a close-knit community that thrives all year round.

We have a ton of clubs on campus. We even have a circus club for those people who really want to step out of the box!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Streaking (as in running around naked) along the quad is allowed and accepted. The security just turn their head for it. There are even 2 annual steaks.

What to do for fun

Join a group on campus or go see a movie. The movie theatre has student discounts and is really nice.

Food and Dining

Now here is where you run into the issue with a small school. They just don't have the resources to provide a ton of food options, nor is the cafeteria open all the time. But the staff are really nice and the food is alright, it is just repetitive. On the plus side though they do offer vegan and vegetarian options at every meal and these are labeled for convenience.

Dorm Life

The RAs are all really nice and they plan weekly things like ice cream or smoothies for the dorms. The dorms aren't huge but they are nice and it is easy to make friends with the people who live near you.

Academic Rigor

Kalamazoo College is extremely difficult. It is looked at as a small ivy league school so a lot is expected of students.

Tips for prospective students

Be ready to come in and have a ton of work, this is not a party school, you will work a ton during the week. And try to find groups on campus to be a part of, we offer groups for everyone and they are great to get into right away.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is a great school. It is academically challenging but with the great professors, success is always possible. The school doesn't just worry about grades though it helps you grow into a well rounded and informed person.

Sherin from Kalamazoo, MI

06/14/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

With over 50 student organizations, everyone can find a little something for themselves. If not, start your own club and get funded! Or just walk around the awesome Kalamazoo Downtown area and check out festivals or ArtHop!

Food and Dining

Sodexo caters it all, from the Homeline, to the Grill, to the International line. Want egg beaters every morning? You got it. Is steak your fancy? Done. Are you gluten free? Not a problem at K!

Dorm Life

Janitors come and clean your bathrooms for you...every week! So you can focus on your studies! Whaaat?! Can't get much better than that :)

Academic Rigor

Academic prestige is #1 at K, but it is easy to find help everywhere, from upperclassmen, to profs, to the Writing Center, Math/Physics Center, and Bio/Chem Center!

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to take advantage of the small class sizes (16-24 students) and make a relationship with your prof! Their offices are ALWAYS open even when its not their office hours!

In three sentences

An awesome liberal arts college that allows you to broaden your horizons by encouraging you to take classes you never would have thought to take! With no general education requirements, it is easier than ever to dabble in various studies ranging from art history, to biochemistry, to women's studies! Kalamazoo College does more in four (years) so you can do more in a lifetime!

Dayon from Portage, MI

There is something for everyone and if you can't find it, you are given the tools necessary to create your own.

Great for these types of students

It's great for students who have always been outcasts, like to explore a variety of things, and enjoy being true to themselves.

Bang for the buck

I'm sure there are things I don't understand about finances but I don't see why any school requires any fees to be paid.

What to do for fun

There's much to do. Lots of activities are put on by different organizations and it is important to stay connected to know about them all.

Food and Dining

The food isn't the best, but it is usually possible to find something edible, even if it is a bowl of cereal.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is going to be what you make of it. The Residence Life staff provide many opportunities for bonding, are friendly and respond quickly to your concerns, and do what it takes to ensure the safety of its residents. It's important to know the RA's and take advantage of the services that they provide.

Academic Rigor

The Academic Rigor at Kalamazoo College is high and it is expected that students put it significant time to their studies. Without taking the time to do the work and do it thoroughly, students will not be successful regardless of their high school standing.

Tips for prospective students

It's important to stay true to yourself but take the opportunity to explore all of the options available on Kalamazoo College's campus. It's always important to stay informed on the day to day issues of the world as well as one's own community. Knowledge leads to change.

In three sentences

The small size makes for a very intimidate setting. The professional staff is always available and willing to aid in any way they know how. It prepares students in multiple arenas for a sucessful life.

Octavia from Los Angeles, CA

11/11/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Clubs and Activities

There are some clubs: the acapella groups, the limelights (all girls), premium Orange(Co-ed) and the Kalamadudes (all guys). Cirque du K, a circus group that have many attractive members are very talented. There is Student Comission that helps with the events on campus. It also helps get to know the older students on campus. There is K-Krew which works with the admission office. They give tours and work with blogs. There is K-Cheer, the cheerleading team. There are plays in the fall and Spring Quarter, This fall they had a genderbend version of Romeo and Juliet. Spring quarter they are doing Carrie, the Musical. The Index and Naked are the newspapers. They are pretty legit. There is humans verses zombies, which is really fun in the fall and spring quarter. There are zombies (a few) that try to tag the humans playing (they wear an orange band on their arm for a week to show that they are human and open game) that tag humans. Extreme version of tag. There is Farms to K which focus on local food, food ethics, and mobilizing healthy food to campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I can't think of any besides streaking the quad. There is the Cavern, which is under the Chapel that is s great place to study. It DOES NOT have wifi though.

What to do for fun

There are plenty of extracurricular to do. I have a radio show on WJMD (the school's radio station) Many of my friends cook/bake. Just don't set off the fire alarm (we almost did!) You can do to the gym (I finally found the sauna) Or the indoor swimming pool. They have stress free zones on Mondays that do yoga and Saturday nights there is Zoo After Dark that does an array of things from dodge ball to a version of the Hunger games (it was pretty legit). You can go into town and see a movie at the Alamo or go rock climbing. You can rent a bike in DeWaters and go biking. Some clubs have events where you go to different cities. The Black Student Organization went to Ferguson to protest.

Food and Dining

The food is pretty good the first couple of weeks, then it becomes boring. If you enjoy seeing some of the same foods (pizza, burgers) then it will work for you. They have many stations, Italian side (where the pizza and some vegetarian/vegan dishes are), grill station (where there are burgers, many fried foods, pulled pork, veggie burgers, etc.), home food line (where you find most of the soul food like mac and cheese, enchiladas, meat loaf, salmon, etc), sandwich station and salad bar. They have specialties like wing Wednesdays and Thai food/ Chinese food. There is gluten-free foods and vegan foods (though not that many). If you don't like the cafe, there is Stacks which is a sub place and they make sandwiches and pizzas. There is sushi also. Just know the hours, they open on weird hours on the weekends.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is pretty fun. I feel you need to initialize the fun to get it going. You will come to know the people in your dorm really well. I have by staying out in the lounge doing homework, good times to socialize. The R.As have some themed days to help socialize. The R.A on my dorm does nails, so he does nails to help relax. Some people bring their Wiis and have get together in their rooms. It can get pretty fun. Great way to make friends.

Academic Rigor

I believe the classes are difficult. It is all about time management if you want to kick butt in schoolwork, have a social life and get sleep. My roommate seems to do that successfully, on average going to bed at 11 pm and me on the other hand, staying up until 3 am. There will be loads of reading, your freshman seminar should be fun, they range from many topics. I am taking roots in the earth seminar, discussing many environmental writers, journaling, and providing an opinion on how humans are effecting the environment (on many topics such as agriculture, ethics, climate change, hydraulic fracturing)

Tips for prospective students

Have an idea on what major you plan on proceeding. Yes, Kalamazoo provides the space for you to explore all of the different classes. The sciences have a strict regimen in terms of what classes to take and when to take them. Don't freak, do have fun when choosing your classes though. For example: I'm taking intro to computer programming, intermediate French and general psychology next quarter.

Nicole from Lithonia, GA

In the process of voting for dining services. The deli in Hicks is a good choice for meal swipes!

Dorm Life

Dorms are a good size, RA's host good events , and there is even quiet hours for the week of final exams.

Academic Rigor

Academics at Kalamazoo College is challenging but the small classroom size , tutorial centers and professors help you get through each class.Its also great that you can come into Kalamaoo College taking classes toward your major in your freshman year. if your undecided, you have your freshman year to explore!

Tips for prospective students

When coming to Kalamazoo College, it is best to come in ready to work and put fourth your best effort. It is always easier to start off on a good foot!

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is a small college fulled with amazing opportunites from study abroad programs to externships.It is a truely diverse atmoshpere with students from all over the world. It's quarter system packs a punch with classes lasting 10 weeks!

Joseph from Longview, WA

Campus security's main priority is the safety of the students and not handing out citations. However, it is essential to employ common sense when navigating the area around campus.

Greek Life

To the satisfaction of the students, there is no Greek system.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every spring there is a dance called Crystal Ball where the whole campus goes in drag. It is the most widely attended event on campus and has always been a positive empowering event

What to do for fun

Kalamazoo is more than a college town. With it's walkable terrain and rich arts culture, there is always something to do outside the K bubble and the plethora of on campus events often have free food.

Food and Dining

We currently have a contract with Sodexo, whose food service is less than satisfactory, but the contract is up for bid this year and will change to be more palatable and sustainable.

Dorm Life

Students are required to live on campus until the spring quarter of their junior year. The facilities are average, but the community building in your assigned building will transcend the setting.

Academic Rigor

It's rigorous. Students are here to work hard and the 10 week quarters ensure that students refrain from coasting through their corses.

Tips for prospective students

Visiting this campus is worth it. Kalamazoo is a very eclectic community so visiting is paramount inorder to discover wether or not it is a good fit for you. Nevertheless, most students are able to find or make their place at K in our small yet multi-faceted campus

In three sentences

Kalamazoo or K College is a diamond in the rough. I was lucky to find a school that offeres me a world-class education as well as opportunities of a lifetime (Such as touring with an ensemble in india). Not to mention the handsom merit-based aid package making this school a true treasure.

Guadalupe from Chicago, IL

08/07/2012

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Bang for the buck

Kalamazoo gives GREAT financial aid. I am currently going to attend it with an almost full ride scholarship. They gave a lot of money in financial aid and if you know that you are a student who has very unique extra curricular activities, are committed, and have good grades, then you might as well try and apply because with that you get a lot of financial aid.

What to do for fun

Go downtown.

Tips for prospective students

Keep your GPA up and reach for a high ACT. Make sure you have an essay that caches the admissions attention.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is a college that prides themselves in the intelligence of their students. They are friendly and are committed to make your degree a success. Kalamazoo also has a beautiful campus.

Melissa

Dorms are okay but college should spend more money on air conditioners and elevators for the residence halls.

Academic Rigor

The college is highly rigorous and professors leave loads of work.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for huge loads of work and all-nighters.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is a highly rigorous private university in Michigan. It is extremely difficult to get an A here and the cost of attending is ridiculously expensive. The people are highly competitive and the campus is very small so the students have more individualized time with their professors.

Cesar from Kalamazoo, MI

You can hang with friends or go out to eat and watch movies in the city. There is a party scene at Kalamazoo, but you really do what you want with friends.

Food and Dining

Dining is changing and we have a new dining services. I heard they are really good.

Dorm Life

Dorms life can get a bit rowdy, but you will find your own group and have a lot of fun in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Academic scholarship is more than taking test and going to class. Kalamazoo College gives you real world experience with service learning where you can implement what you learned to the outside word.

Tips for prospective students

Kalamazoo College is the school to be at, but make sure you are ready for a life changing experience because its thought provoking and it strives for a socially just world. You will have to rethink your life and know how you fit to make the world socially just.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College has a unique close knit community with a quirky personality and staff. The professors really take an interest in their students. With a great study abroad program and a diverse group of students from all over the world, Kalamazoo College is small and feels like a family.

Sam from Glenview, IL

01/15/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

The Cafe is the worst part of the college. The food is generally sub par and there aren't many healthy options. The Deli, however, has great sandwiches and salads. Due to student activism, the cafe is working hard to improve and some improvement had been made.

In three sentences

Kalamazoo College is an accepting, open place to be. The classes can be somewhat challenging at times and professors are always willing to help make the class work for you. Students take academics seriously without taking themselves too seriously. There is always something to do or participate in.

Tai from Ada, MI

Again, average - the food is good and plentiful, but nothing that gives K College an edge over everyone else.

Dorm Life

Dorms are average, nothing super special about their size or comfortability.

Academic Rigor

From talking to alumni, K College seems to have some of the higher-end education available in all of Michigan. That being said, I have been told that it is still second to U of M, and MSU in some fields.

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